Problem with a trap door is you will have to destroy part of the tank to get to it. I would cut a slot just a little bigger than the heater. Then I would cut another piece of egg crate bigger than the slot to go over the top of it.

Could even go a little step further and put the screen over everywhere but the slot you cut and then wrap the cover piece in screening so if you ever do need to remove it you don't have to disturb the screen divider for the whole tank to get to it.

You could get more elaborate and cut the slot even bigger and then set the piece you cut out back in the slot so it is removable for future use, but I like the first idea better.


That is how I would do it anyways. Me personally I always put it where I can make an access for it under the water in my water feature. Even if it is just a little hole the I can squeeze my hand through. This way I can get to it (though it is tough) without having to disturb the land mass at all.

Soo to make my post even longer. Look at my Mantella build I just finished. I have the water heater underwater (under the main land mass), but I can reach it if needed through the pond. You could even use a rock or something to block the hole if you are worried about frogs getting under the false bottom.